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Keeping it in the family....

02/09/2008
 
 
The Harris family, from Dudley, have been studying hard for the last three years and now mum Jane and her two daughters Rachel and Sophie are preparing to collect their degrees.
 
It will be a busy week for proud dad Tony, who will be attending all three graduations.From right to left are, Rachel Harris, Jane Harris and Sophie Harris.
 
First to step up to collect her scroll at the Grand Theatre will be Jane, who will receive her BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies from the School of Education on Wednesday, 3 September. She will be followed by Rachel, 22, who has completed a BSc (Hons) in Medicinal Biochemistry and will collect her award from the School of Applied Sciences on Friday, 5 September.
 
And finally, 21-year-old Sophie will round off the week by collecting her BA (Hons) in Drama and Performance on Monday, 8 September from the School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure.
 
Jane, 47, was based at the University’s Walsall Campus while her daughters were both based at the Wolverhampton City Campus, so they avoided bumping into each other between lectures. But the family did make a few trips to the library together to swot up for assignments.
 
Mrs Harris, who completed her degree part time while also working at St Chad’s School in Sedgley as a high level teaching assistant (HLTA), said: “Since I started at the school 11 years ago, there has not been a time when I haven’t been studying. It is great to keep learning things. I found it quite hard to fit everything in, but we all supported each other which was nice.
 
“I enjoyed going to the library at Walsall with my daughters, and I am very proud of them.”
 
Rachel, who has secured her dream job as a medical sales advisor, said it could get hectic when they were all working to deadlines for their assignments.
 
“It was a bit like a fight for a corner of the table to work on - I felt sorry for my dad!” she says. “But we did try to help each other out, when we could. It is quite nice that all three of us are graduating in a week – although it will be a busy week for Dad!”
 
Sophie, who hopes to become a drama teacher and will be working as a high level teaching assistant (HLTA) at a secondary school to gain experience, added: “I never thought I would be studying at the same place as sister, let alone my mum! At first it was a little strange to think I might see them around campus, however as the University is so big I didn’t really bump into them to much!
 
“As my course was mostly practical I spent most of my time at University doing rehearsals so studying at home wasn’t too bad, although there was times when we all needed the dining room table at the same time.” 
 
Graduations for all 10 academic Schools take place at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Monday, 1 September to Wednesday 10 September 2008.

Further information

Caption: Pictured from right to left are Rachel Harris, Jane Harris and Sophie Harris.
 
For media inquiries, contact Vickie Woodward in the Press Office on 01902 322736 or 07973 335112.
 

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